OBITUARY

Robert G. Ellison

February 19, 1945 – January 24, 2013

Ellison, Robert G. Born 19 February 1945 in San Mateo, California, to Robert Guy and Georgeann (Van Pragg) Ellison, died 24 January 2013 in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in Redwood City, California, along with his brother and 7 sisters. He attended school, was an alumnus of Sequia High School, had odd jobs as a teenager, one of which was at the radiator shop of his best friend’s father, Richard Daricek. He would go hunting in Utah with his best friend Jody Daricek, and Richard, and he spent a lot of time with them and his other best friend, Frank Camacho. Robert and Frank had a love of cars, and both were “Midget Racers”. Robert enlisted in the Army in 1967, serving 3 tours in Vietnam, and receiving 3 Purple Hearts, along with 1 Silver Service Star; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal with 4 loops; Combat Infantry Badge; Drivers Badge; and Rifle and Machine Gun Badges. He had also been stationed at Ft. Polk, LA; Ft. Lewis, WA; Presidio San Francisco, CA; 97th General Hospital, Frankfort, Germany; and Ft. Hood, TX. Robert enjoyed traveling, having gone to many areas of Germany, Luxembourg, France (especially Paris), Disneyland, Yosemite National Park, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, the Sierra Mountains, Arizona, the Alamo in San Antonio, TX, Macinac City, Macinac Island, St. Ignace, the Soo Locks, Canada, South Dakota, and many other places. Robert’s greatest love was his family, whether it was his immediate family, his brother and sisters and their families, or extended family that he had recently discovered, including a cousin in England. He enjoyed walking through cemeteries researching family graves, and helping in the research of information. When Robert was discharged from the Army in 1980 on a disability, he brought his family to Williamston, which was his wife’s home town, because he knew that it would be a better place to raise his family. He was lucky enough to get a job at Michigan State University on his birthday, driving the big buses. He was later transferred to the handicap buses; he enjoyed driving the buses and being with the students. He was again transferred, this time to Site at the Grounds Department, and then to Grounds Department where he eventually became a Master Gardner. Except for the cold winters, he enjoyed this job – learning about the plants, planting times, and taking care the areas assigned to him. He also made a lot of friends there, some of whom he had stayed in touch with.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Edward; his sisters Georgeann, Marlene, and Muriel; and his best friend, Frank Comacho. He is survived by his of wife of 41 years, Candace (Candy O’Dell); son Adam (Jonna), daughter Tanya (Arthur) Burnett; grandchildren Dalton Stickler and Fiona Ane Ellison, all of Williamston; brother-in-law Bill Coats of Redwood City, CA; sisters Edna Mae Escamilla of Oro Valley, AZ; Barbara Earegood and Beverly (Robert) Grush, both of Flint; mother-in-law Barbara O’Dell of Bitely, MI; brother-in-law Rick O’Dell of Holt; sister-in-law Colleen (Scott) Gilmore of Haslett; his best friends Jody (Jill) Daricek of Mt Shasta, CA and Alan (Gail) Diana of Laingsburg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be at the Gorsline-Runciman, Williamston Chapel, on Tuesday, 29 January 2013, at 2 pm, with visitation an hour before the service. Viewing will be Monday, 28 January 2013, from 2 – 4 pm, and 6-8 pm.

REMEMBERING

Robert G. Ellison

Bob Lyon

Awesome, informative obituary. Bob will be missed but I'm glad that he had a good life and that he was able to enjoy his retirement before his premature death.

Don Earegood

January 29, 2013

You will be missed uncle Robert our hearts are saddened by you passing,We will always love and remember you til we meet again.Love Don Earegood & Jimmy James

Hal Earegood

January 28, 2013

Candy and family so sorry for your loss. You will all be in our prayers.May Gods peace comfort you during this difficult time.

Hal and Kelly Earegood

Jody Daricek

January 28, 2013

The world won't be the same without my best friend Robert Bob and I grew up together in Redwood City Ca. We knew each other for over 50+ years and he was really like a brother to me. Love you Bob and Jill and I will miss you. God bless

Lorraine Kay Cummings (O'Dell)

January 27, 2013

Candy, so sorry to hear about Bob. I wish I was closer so I could have know him, and you. May peace and comfort and joy be with you through this time. It is wonderful that you do have so many supportive family members close to you. Know that you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Gail (O'Dell) Snow

January 26, 2013

Candy and Family,My prayers and thoughts are with you. Bob was a very friendly man and he really made us feel welcome at the reunions we attended.Peace be with you at this time.

Cloyce Odell Jr.

January 26, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Bob, he was a real great guy! My prayers go out to the family.

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